What You Won't Find in the Records
A family history interview really doesn't need to be a chore to put off. Actually, once you get started you'll probably find it easier and more enjoyable than you expected. The key is to be prepared - with questions, with props, and with a little patience. If you're new to family history interviews, then try How to Interview a Relative and Oral History Step by Step. If you need some help coming up with a list of questions to ask, you may find Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews a source for inspiration. And for even better results (even for you pros), try these 10 Tips for Great Interview Stories. Susan Kitchens also has a lot of great advice on her Family Oral History blog, such as this post discussing an interview over a photo album.
Comments
I interviewed my grandparents about 18 months ago and made an audio recording. I recorded about 90 minutes with each of them. When my grandmother passed away recently, it was wonderful to listen to her recollect her life and to hear her laugh when remembering their first home as a married couple. I gave a copy to my grandfather and he wept and thanked me when I asked if he enjoyed it. Just a word of advice, the time I took to prepare for the interview and think about the stories I wanted to hear about has proven priceless.
Kimberly, I wish to print the article “Oral History Step by Step” — is there a way to do this without having to print 8 separate pages, one for each step?
Several years ago I sat down with my mother-in-law and interviewed her about her family, but I wasn’t as well prepared as I should have been. However, I’m so thankful that I got what information and stories that I did, because not too much later she was struck with dementia and probable early Alzheimers. She is still living but remembers very little of her past at this point in time.
Thanks for your wonderful and informational site.
Elaine